1. Using the wire whisk attachment of your stand mixer, whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, stopping to scrape the bowl once or twice.

2. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Once all of the powdered sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and add the vanilla, mixing until incorporated. Whip at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.

You can store any unused buttercream in the refrigerator in an airtight container; let it come to room temperature and then give it a quick whip in the mixer before using.

Steeler - AFC Championship ~~ We had to have a good spread for the game. And every spread has some baked goods. Such a super easy recipe! Easy & good! And lucky for the win! I'll make them again if not for that alone!!

1. Measure out everything but the eggs directly into your mixer bowl.2. Mix on low speed just until incorporated.3. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes.4. Add eggs, beat on high speed again for 2 minutes.

Measure out into cupcake pan lined with cupcake papers. A 2″ ice cream scoop works great for this. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly in the pan then transfer to a rack to cool completely before frosting.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

As time permits I am going to try to make baby food. It's really pretty easy. I really like knowing what goes into the baby food. We'll see how long I can keep it up. This is my second type - I've made sweet potato as well. For to-be or new mom's give it a try.

Wash & peel fruitCut each pear in halfRemove the seeds & stemCut each half into 6 piecesPut the pear and the water or juice into a 4qt potTurn the burner on high and cover with a lidCook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring oncePour everything into the blender. Puree until smooth.Pour into two ice cube trays and allow to coolWrap & freeze.

Once frozen, I pop the cubes out into a freezer bag labeled with the type of food.

So - what could be wrong with all of that?? Butterscotch. Oatmeal. M&M's. From following Picky Palate Blog - I had to get a muffin top pan. As soon as I got it I ran into this recipe. Of course I had to try it! It didn't disappoint. It has oatmeal... it's healthy... right?!?

Directions1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In stand mixer beat butter and sugars until well combined. Beat in eggs, vanilla and butterscotch topping until well combined.2. In large bowl mix the flour, oats, baking soda and salt. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with the chocolate chips until just combined.3. Scoop about 1/4 Cup dough into muffin top pans that have been sprayed with cooking spray. Flatten with palm of your hand then top with 5-7 M&M’s per cookie. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until cooked through and golden around edges. Remove from oven and loosen edges of cookies while warm so they will be easy to remove. Let cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.24 Large cookiesNotes: I found that I had to cook them a little bit longer to have them done. Also my batch only made about 12 - 15 cookies. I may have put too much in each spot causing both problems.

I always prefer things homemade than store bought. Hot chocolate is no exception. I've done things very simply in the past like just use Splenda & Hershey's Cocoa. A friend (Thanks D!) gave me a sample of this at Christmas! It is delicious! I knew I wanted to share it with friends. It got rave reviews by all. I can't wait for another snow day to go out - get nice & cold & come in to a big mug of this!

1. Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two batches, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the chocolate is finely ground. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

2. To make hot cocoa, put 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup of hot milk. Top with whipped cream or miniature marshmallows or maybe even some Peppermint Schnapps or Rumpleminze.

I mixed up about 10 cup worth in the crockpot on low & then let it warm in there most of the day.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

An old college friend mentioned Buffalo Chicken Soup one day on Facebook. OK, this sounds good. I sent out a request & she kindly shared the recipe! So thanks, Michelle! This soup really hit the spot on a cold day. Even better it was just throwing some things into the crockpot and coming home to a good dinner!

DirectionsCombine all ingredients in a pot and heat to warm through; do NOT boil. OR combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low 4-5 hours.

Serve with garlic bread, Texas cheese toast or other crusty bread and a salad or crudites.

OptionI have started sauteeing 1 stalk of diced celery and an half an onion diced in 3 T. butter to start. Sautee until soft. Add some minced garlic (or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder), the dry ranch mix and 3 T. flour. Cook for two minutes and then add the liquid ingredients. Bring to a simmer; then add chicken to heat through. Adding some fresh time stems (bundled together so it is easier to get out later) as it simmers is nice, too.

About Me

I am a late 30something, new mom, trying to find the balance in cooking, entertaining, eating healthy... you know the things which so many balance! I loves when I find the occasion or some time to cook! This started as a place for me to organize recipes I like but am glad it's transpired that others enjoy it as well!